Creating Distance

1 min 22 sec

Using the rhythmic approach, you can easily create more distance between the dog/handler, and the touch pad, advancing the behavior.  

Example of Creating Distance

56 seconds

Technically, applying this technique lies in the reward process. When releasing your dog from the pad, walk backwards while giving multiple pieces of food, creating more space to the pad, while rewarding.

With every rep, you want to advance further and further during your reward process.  Again, after you've finished giving your dog multiple pieces of food during your the reward, you advance back towards the touch pad.

While returning to the touch pad, if the dog moves faster, and ahead of you toward the pad, use this opportunity to create more distance between you and the dog on the pad.  You do this by slowing or stopping once the dog has passed you on their way to the pad.  When the reach the pad, they will turn to find you farther away from them than you were on the previous reps.  This gives them the experience of seeing you at greater distances, advancing the behavior.

Releasing While in Close Proximity

1 min 20 sec

While using the these techniques, if is very important to take into consideration where you are standing, when releasing your dog.  

We must try to release our dog when we are in a close proximity to the dog on the pad.  The reasoning is, that we want to teach the dog that the only way it can be released from the pad, is if you are positioned relatively close.  Using this approach, you create maximum stability on the pad.

If we release our dogs from the pad at great distances, it gives them the idea that they are able to be released at great distances.   When the dog has that idea, often times they misinterpret our sounds, mannerisms, etc, for the cue for release.

Because it is always more joyous to be with the handler than away, the dog will be in anticipation of being released from the pad, when standing on it, during training.  

In consideration of this, we want to try to move towards the dog and pad somewhat, before releasing the dog from the pad.  This assists greatly with maintaining stability, which we will cover in our next segment.